being built for Cuba; others that Spain had bought
her.

No one was allowed to enter the yard where she was building, and the
strictest secrecy was kept as to her make and shape.

At last she has been completed and launched, but the inventor, Mr.
Holland, refuses to allow any one to look at his boat until he is quite
satisfied that she is perfect.

He claims for her that she can be navigated as well under water as above
it, and that she will ride on the surface of the waters, or plunge
beneath them, at the will of her master.

The _Holland_ is a gunboat, and will be armed with three kinds of guns:
one to fire on the surface of the water, a submarine gun to use under
the water, and torpedo tubes.

In attacking a vessel, the _Holland_ is intended to fire her
surface-guns, and as soon as she has done such damage as she can with
them, to sink down under the water. She is then to make for the enemy's
vessel with her best speed, and when within a short distance of the foe,
is to rise to the surface to take aim; and then, sinking again, to
discharge her torpedoes.

As soon as this is done, she is to steam under the vessel, and fire her
submarine gun into the unfortunate ship, which it is expected she will
blow to pieces.

The _Holland_ is to be tried in New York Harbor; then, as soon as her
inventor is satisfied, a public exhibition will be given of her powers.

If she can accomplish what is claimed for her, she is at once the most
wonderful and the deadliest invention of modern times.

Two or three of the foreign governments are watching the _Holland_ with
much interest. Mr. Holland is not known to have made any arrangements
about selling her, or the patent under which she is built.

It is to be hoped that when he is finally ready to dispose of her, the
United States may be fortunate enough to become her purchaser.

If we have two or three such vessels as the _Holland_ cruising near our
harbors, it will simplify the problem of coast-defence very
considerably.

* * * * *

On page 317, Vol. I., of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, we spoke of the
explorer who was trying to reach the North Pole in a balloon.

This gentleman, Professor Andree, had his balloon in readiness for the
attempt last year.

He waited from the 23d of June till the middle of August for a favorable
wind to bear him northward.

While his party was still waiting, Dr. Nansen returned from his famous
expedition, in which